QUESTION
My Dad died in N Carolina 2 months ago. I live in California. I am his only surviving child. He had a live in girlfriend. No will found. Now what?
Asked on Apr 06th, 2024 on Wills and Probate - North Carolina
More details to this question:
Who needs to start the probate process? How can I conduct probate business from California, when he died in his home in NC? My father's attorney didn't finish the trust my Dad was working on, since my Dad failed to sign the papers after my brother died in Aug 2023. My Dad died in Feb 2024. If my dad's girlfriend is continuing to pay my dad's attorney to help with probate filing, do I need to get my own attorney? I am his daughter and only surviving child.
1 ANSWER
Your father's girlfriend has no legal claim on his assets unless she was a joint account holder or a transfer on death or trust beneficiary on any of his assets. If she hired probate counsel , then you should be receiving an inventory of his property. It's always a good idea to retain a lawyer. But as soon as possible, you need to contact the girlfriend's lawyer and ask him 1. for an inventory of all the estate property and 2. any life insurance or property that's going to pass outside of Probate.
Answered on Apr 06th, 2024 at 11:17 AM